February 3, 2016

Dear Members and Potential Members,

We had a very energetic meeting this past Sunday, the minutes of which are included. In discussing my goals for the coming year, I emphasized the mission statement of the WCA which states that we create community through ART, EDUCATION, and SOCIAL ACTIVISM. The streamlining that was necessary to get things organized again over the past couple of years meant that not all these areas were being addressed. In order to accomplish more, we need more members who are ready to be actively involved.

Along this line of thought the idea came up to choose a focus social issue around which our other programming could operate. Themed art shows, community art projects related to that issue/with people affected by that issue, film screenings, lecture series, etc.

We were unable to come to a decision on one issue and it would certainly be better to get more input. We do not, however, want this to drag on with lots of vague or broad subjetcs being suggested without some concrete ideas. So, WE WANT YOU to email your ideas/proposals for the issue you'd like to see us focus on, with some specific goals and ideas (does not have to be a full plan for the next year, but needs to have some direction) to me at wcaphiladelphia@gmail.com

Come to the next meeting with your ideas (if you cannot make it, say so in the email but your ideas WILL be represented). The next meeting will be SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28^th at Da Vinci Art Alliance 10am-11:30am. They won't all be at Da Vinci, but I wanted to have another meeting before too much time passed and I know we can have it there. If you cannot make Sunday mornings I apologize, and I will make an effort to have meetings at different days/times moving forward, but as you know it will be impossible for a meeting to be a good time for everyone.

Lastly, a big thank you to those potential members who came out and shared their experience and knowledge with us! I do hope you join. We need you.

To join the Philadelphia Chapter, one must also join the national. You can join only the national organization, but not only the chapter. Total cost is $55 for the year ($40 for national plus $15 for chapter), though the year ends Dec. 31 no matter when you join, so now is better than later. There are also student rates. 

You can become a member of the Philadelphia chapter by filling out the application form on the National WCA website, choosing "PAP" as your chapter. The national WCA membership page is here: http://www.nationalwca.org/membership/membership.php

You can either click the PayPal link to fill the application online and pay online, OR you can click the "APPLICATION FORM" link to download the pdf, fill it out and mail it with your check to the address listed on the application page.

Current members, it is time to RENEW! 2015 memberships expired Dec 31^st.

Please let me know if you have any questions or problems with the application process.

All the best,

Sarah R. Bloom
2016 Chapter President

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Philadelphia Women’s Caucus for Art Members Meeting Minutes January 31, 2015

15 people present (7 current member and 8 potential members )

Introduction and Agenda

• Meeting called to order by President Sarah Bloom at 10:15.
  
• Sarah offered a brief history of the National Women’s Caucus for Art as well as her vision/ideas for the Philadelphia Chapter: The mission of the Women's Caucus for Art is to create community through art, education, and social activism.
  
• Sarah wishes to hold regular business meetings about every 3 months, separate from other events/gatherings.
  
• Ideas and Vision for the Philadelphia Chapter events include museum, studio visits, exhibitions, films community and social involvement.
  
• Membership categories and dues were noted all those in attendance are welcomed and encouraged to join. WCA is a networking organization for women in the arts.
  

Meeting Business

• Discussion ensued regarding Social Issues that the Philadelphia Chapter would like to adopt and pursue as a group to raise social awareness. Some ideas were seen as too vague/broad, some too stereotypical.
  
• A motion to vote was made by Sarah Bloom to adopt Violence against Women as the Chapters Social Activism Issue; however after group discussion the vote was tabled to our next meeting.
  
• Those in attendance were asked to bring definitive ideas and specific goals regarding social issues that affect women for Chapter consideration.
  
• Ideas for social issue suggestions can be emailed to:wcaphiladelphia@gmail.com
  
• Suggestions were made regarding the use of face book hashtags such as #wcaphilly as a means of additional chapter communication.
  
• President Sarah Bloom will schedule and announce the next Chapter meeting within the month.
  
• Notice will be through membership email, WCA Philadelphia Chapter Facebook. Please bring a friend.
  

Meeting Adjourned @ 11:40

National WCA News: Eco-Art Caucus News and Leadership Opportunity

With a WCA Philadelphia membership, you are a member of National WCA, and you can choose to be part of any of the internal caucuses for free.  Here is the latest news from the Eco-Art Caucus which is meeting in Chicago as part of the National Conference.  To learn more about the Eco-Art Caucus, click here.

Eco-Art Caucus Annual Meeting — Thursday 10 am to 12 

Essex Inn Hotel, Park East Gallery, Chicago

"A big thank you to everyone who send in a image to Amy Larson and also to those who joined in the conference calls. We will be using them for a fun "Image Fest" during our conference caucus meeting— plus posting them online.

We are fortunate to get to start the conference together- which will give us multiple days to continue our conversations.  Regretfully, like some of you, this year I will only be there in spirit. 

Please welcome Danielle Eubank who will guide the morning session.  She's a talented painter, strong environmental steward, educator and leader that I've gotten to know working in our Southern California Eco-Art group.

We have many interesting things on our agenda including the "Image Idea Fest" described above — along with time to look ahead for the coming year.

We also need to manage several business items including the election of an eco-art caucus rep to the national WCA board. 

And be sure when you renew your WCA membership on nationalwca.org that you check the box for eco-art caucus so we an easily stay in touch."

Best Wishes, 

Marylinda Moss / WCA Eco-Art Caucus Chair 

Danielle Eubank / SCWCA Eco-Art Facilitator

Anyone interested in representing the special interest caucuses as a WCA board member?

There are three special interest caucus positions available on the national WCA Board. These positions represent and speak for the concerns of all four caucuses not just the eco-art caucua. . 

This year, the Eco-Art Caucus can have a position on the board  as last year we sat out. Board members are asked to attend both the annual meeting in February and the summer board meeting in July at their own expense as well as meet other contribution requirements, such as a minimum of $500 in contributions or fundraising and a working contribution by serving or chairing a committee or contributing to a project. 

Our Eco-Art caucus must vote on a representative at the meeting. Any eco=art caucus member in good standing (current with their 2014 membership) who will commit to the above requirements can be considered and I would be happy to have another leader in our midst! Please let me know in advance if you are interested. We will vote on this at the meeting. This is for a three year term.

I should also add that there is a strategic planning session set for this summer that might change how board positions are currently structured. But, it's important that you can meet the parameters above.  The February Conference will be in New York next year and then the following in Washington DC.  The summer conference this year will be in Portland, OR but it's not known where it will be later. 

Don't miss the fun! Next Meeting is Tomorrow, Sunday, 2/9 at Moore College of Art

Don't miss the fun!

Join us tomorrow at Moore College of Art and Design (20th & the Parkway, Phila.). We're meeting in the back of the cafeteria at 2PM. Bring your ID, a friend, and some snacks if you'd like.

Among other things, we will be discussing an upcoming WCA Members Only Group Show that we already have a venue for (sweet!), and will be creating new work for (you know you want to!). 

If you think you might like to participate, grab 25 of the same type of items from your studio practice and bring them in to share.  They will be incorporated into a work of art. 

Come make new friends and have some fun!

Can't make it? Like our page on Facebook here.